Norgren introduces safer solution for inflatable hose filling

Norgren has launched a new control unit that offers a safer and faster solution for
inflatable hose filling in bulk materials handling operations.

Norgren, a global market leader in fluid control technology, has launched a new
control unit that offers a safer and faster solution for inflatable hose filling
in bulk materials handling operations. Designed to deliver Engineering Advantage
for the food and beverage sector, the control unit also has scope for use in
other industries.

The traditional method adopted in bulk material handling for isolating the
filling neck from the environment is to inflate a rubber hose, sealing the
area from the external surroundings. These hoses tend to be expensive and prone
to over pressurising, causing production failures.

Norgren’s new control unit is suitable for use with all industrial compressed air
systems, the all-pneumatic unit is intrinsically safe, with no electrical or PLC
control needed, and can be used in ATEX zones. Compared with alternatives, which
operate at up to 6 bar, it operates at pressures between 0.15 and 0.3 bar,
reducing the risk of damage to hoses from excess pressure and delivering faster,
more consistent performance with high accuracy.

A simplified design, with a lower component count, adds to the reliability of
the unit which is easy to mount onto a control panel. Pressure adjustment is fast
and easy using the regulator and pressure gauge and the unit can be used with
a wide range of inflatable hose sizes.

Units are available for dealing with single or multiple hose sizes and there
is also a version that enables users to switch remotely between two sizes of
inflatable hose used on the same machine via remote control. Accessories include
a quick exhaust and safety valve unit, a non-return valve, an aluminium banjo
bolt and additional air tank.

The system is suitable for use in a range of filling tasks, from plastic and
paper bag to keg film and container filling.

Dave Whelan of Norgren commented: “Safety is paramount when handling and
processing large volumes of powdered product as there can be a real danger
of explosion. With electrical systems there is always the risk of a spark,
but our pneumatic solution negates this risk and allows for more rapid and
accurate filling too.”